In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Goa, which used to be the capital of Portuguese India. Admire the impressive Baroque architecture of the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept. Have a traditional Goan lunch at Cafe Venite in Panaji, the state capital. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.
Take a walking tour of Fontainhas, the charming Latin Quarter of Panaji. Admire the colorful Portuguese-style houses, the narrow streets, and the local art galleries. Have a seafood lunch at Viva Panjim. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Goa to learn about the state's rich history and culture. In the evening, attend a traditional music and dance performance at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao.
Visit the Ancestral Goa museum in Loutolim to learn about Goan village life and customs. Take a guided tour of the eco-village and the sculpture park. Have a vegetarian lunch at the museum's restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Shantadurga Temple in Kavalem, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of peace and prosperity. Attend the evening aarti ceremony and enjoy the temple architecture. Have a dinner of traditional Goan fish curry at Vinayak Family Restaurant in Mapusa.
Take a guided tour of a spice plantation in Ponda to learn about the cultivation of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Have a vegetarian lunch of local specialties at the plantation's restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Aguada Fort in Sinquerim, built by the Portuguese to defend against Dutch and Maratha attacks. Admire the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River. Have a dinner of tandoori chicken at Gunpowder in Assagao.
Spend the morning at the Calangute or Baga beach, two of the most popular beaches in Goa. Enjoy water sports, sunbathing, and beach shacks. Have a lunch of Goan fish thali at Britto's in Baga. In the afternoon, visit the Anjuna flea market, where you can find handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry. Have a dinner of pork vindaloo at Mum's Kitchen in Panaji.
Other cultural attractions worth visiting in Goa include the Big Foot Museum in Loutolim, the Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa, and the Mario Miranda Gallery in Calangute. Side trips could include a visit to the Dudhsagar Waterfall in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and a jeep safari in the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. To maximize your fun, try to attend a local festival such as the Sao Joao in June, celebrated with water sports and traditional music and dance. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, especially the fish curry and the bebinka dessert.